ROC President Ma Ying-jeou said April 27 that the youth vocational training program implemented by the Council of Labor Affairs is a key component in the government’s talent cultivation policy.
“The initiative will inspire innovation among Taiwan’s younger generation and, at the same time, create growth opportunities for the local business sector and vocational education,” Ma said. “I have directed the CLA to invite more firms to take part in the project.”
The president made the remarks during a visit to Taichung-based Wele Mechatronic Co. Ltd., a sponsor of the CLA program that aims to provide between two to four years of practical training for students enrolled in either vocational high schools or technical colleges.
Commencing in 2006 under the auspices of the CLA Bureau of Employment and Vocational Training, the initiative is part of a coordinated public sector push to improve Taiwan’s homegrown talent pool.
CLA Minister Pan Shih-wei said on average, over 80 percent of program participants became nationally certified technicians during their sophomore year in vocational high school, while 70 percent continue studying under special programs offered by technical universities.
“Participants are also regular winners at competitions at home and abroad, such as the biennial World Skills Competition, which is scheduled for July in Germany,” Pan added.
In addition to accumulating work experience while still enrolled at school, participants earn an average wage of NT$25,000 (US$833) per month, the minister said, adding that most eventually opt to work for the firms where they train.
CLA statistics revealed that to date, 1,290 students from nine schools at 58 firms have taken part in the initiative.
“By including on-site training as part of students’ education, the program is bridging the gap between the business sector and vocational education system for a win-win outcome,” Pan said. (JSM)
Write to Meg Chang at sfchang@mofa.gov.tw